Francis Aungier, 1st Earl of Longford facts for kids
Francis Aungier, 1st Earl of Longford (born around 1632, died December 23, 1700) was an important English politician. He was a member of the House of Commons (part of the English Parliament) from 1660 to 1679. He also worked as a manager and leader in Ireland.
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Early Life and Family Connections
Francis Aungier was the son of Ambrose Aungier and Grizzell Bulkeley. His father, Ambrose, was a high-ranking official at St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin. His mother's father, Lancelot Bulkeley, was the Archbishop of Dublin.
The Aungier family originally came from an area in England called Cambridgeshire. However, Francis's grandfather moved to Ireland and became the Master of the Rolls in Ireland, a senior legal position.
In 1655, Francis inherited the title of Baron when his uncle, Gerald Aungier, 2nd Baron Aungier of Longford, passed away. This meant Francis became the 3rd Baron Aungier of Longford.
A Career in Politics
Francis Aungier inherited some land in Surrey, England. In 1660, he was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for Surrey. This was during a special meeting of Parliament called the Convention Parliament.
In 1661, he was given an important job as the governor of two areas in Ireland: Westmeath and Longford. This meant he was in charge of managing these regions.
Later in 1661, he was elected as an MP for a different area, Arundel. He continued to serve in Parliament until 1679.
Rising Through the Ranks
Francis Aungier received several special honors during his career. In 1675, he was given the title of Viscount Longford in the Peerage of Ireland. The "Peerage" refers to the system of hereditary titles like Duke, Marquess, Earl, Viscount, and Baron.
Just two years later, in 1677, he was made an Earl of Longford. This was an even higher title. He also became a member of the Privy Council of Ireland, a group of important advisors to the monarch in Ireland.
Loyalty During Change
In 1689, during a time of political change, King James II called a special Irish Parliament. Francis Aungier was one of the few Irish Protestant nobles who attended this Parliament.
However, he later supported William of Orange, who became King William III. This shows he was able to adapt to the changing political landscape of the time.
Personal Life
Francis Aungier was married twice. His first wife was Jane Carr. His second wife was Anne, who was the daughter of Arthur Chichester, 1st Earl of Donegall. Anne was also the widow of John Butler, 1st Earl of Gowran.
Francis Aungier did not have any children of his own. Because of this, his titles were passed on to his brother, Ambrose, after he passed away.
